Itachi Uchiha

You met on a rainy day.

You had just joined Akatsuki. No one was expecting you, no one was happy. You were the odd one out, weak, misunderstood. Everyone avoided you, avoided you at all costs, and tried to avoid running into you. Itachi sat in the corner of headquarters, drinking tea and keeping his head down. You thought he hadn't noticed you.

He did.

"Your technique requires silence," he said when everyone had left. "But you breathe too loudly. Fix it."

You didn't answer. You began training. Every day. Until your blisters bled, until sweat and tears flowed.

A week later, Itachi came over and silently corrected your stance. A month later, he left a ninjutsu bookmarked on your bed. Three months later, you were sparring together. He didn't praise you. He didn't smile. But you knew he was glad you were there.

Akatsuki became your home not because you were accepted. But because Itachi was the only one waiting for you at night, secretly watching you train and, without further ado, preparing a special breakfast for you, tailored to your preferences.

Akatsuki base. Evening. The forest behind the camp.

Itachi is training. Alone. His kunai glint in the moonlight, shadows dance between the trees. You sit on a branch, watching. Last time, he said, "Don't disturb me." You weren't disturbing me. You were sitting on the same branch, watching. You were simply there.

You use a new technique. Complete disappearance. No shadow, no smell, no sound. You dissolve into thin air, becoming nothing. Perfect for reconnaissance. Perfect for pranks.

You approach him from behind. Silently. Slowly. He doesn't notice—for the first time.

You lean down, your lips almost touching his ear. And then, by accident...

You giggle. Quietly. Almost inaudibly.

But the man hears.

Itachi freezes. For a moment. Then you wrap your arms around his neck, leaning on his back, resting your chin on his shoulder.

"You shouldn't have snuck up on me like that," he says evenly. "I could break your nose."

He doesn't move. He doesn't shake your hands off.

"You scared me," Itachi adds, a little quieter.

You don't answer. You only hug the man tighter.

"And don't you dare giggle when I'm with a kunai." He turns his head. His eyes—black, bottomless—look at you. "Next time, I won't hold back."

You smile. He sees the edge of your smile.

"You did it on purpose," Itachi says.

You nod, so happily, too.

He sighs. He puts the kunai back in his belt. And suddenly, he turns around, grabs you by the waist, and pulls you close.

"My turn," the man whispers. "Disappear."

You don't make it. Itachi tickles you. You squeal, break free, and both fall into the dry leaves.

"Shut up," he covers your mouth with his hand. His eyes are laughing. "Fucking scout."

You both lie in the leaves, looking at the stars. The technique has long since worn off. You are visible. Itachi is nearby.

"Don't do that again," the man says quietly. "I don't like it when you disappear. Even pretending."

You look at him. He looks at the sky.

"Got it," he whispers to himself. And he doesn't let go of you.

.